Pakistan: Unidentified militants kill one soldier in North Waziristan district April 20

Event

Unidentified militants killed one soldier in an attack on a Pakistani army security outpost near the town of Miran Shah (North Waziristan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province) on Monday, April 20. At least five suspected militants were killed in the ensuing firefight. Security forces have reportedly launched an operation in the affected area to locate the remaining assailants. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Similar militant attacks are possible in North Waziristan district over the near term.

Context

Extremist Islamist groups, including the terrorist organization Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TPP) and various terrorist groups under its umbrella, continue to pose a threat throughout the country despite continued army offensives to push them from their northwestern strongholds near the Afghan border. Pakistan has suffered a number of deadly attacks in recent years, notably in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and Lahore.

Advice

Due to the high threat of terrorism and other forms of violent crime, individuals in Pakistan are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities (e.g. their diplomatic mission or security manager). As a reminder, all Western embassies in Pakistan advise their citizens against nonessential travel to the country. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place.